I had to UP my Topamax to 75 mg on Friday -- I had a headache everyday for about a week, then it finally dawned on me -- it is TIME to increase the dose!!! On Saturday, I was mowing the yard (riding mower) and a wayward hornet got irritated -- OUCH!!! My leg didn't swell (thank you, Zyrtec), but it BURNED for several days and I now have a BRUISE. The BAD part -- this sting kicked my Myasthenia Gravis into gear -- arrrrrggghhhhhh!!! Double vision started back by Sunday -- and I am sleeping about 10 hours every night. I haven't noticed any significant leg weakness -- that is a plus. My allergy doc used to say that it took 30 days for sting venom to clear the system, so...........the clock is counting!!!

Yes, I am still here. I really thought that I would add to my tale of Myasthenia Gravis every day or two -- but, I guess I didn't realize how busy I would be this Summer. How WONDERFUL to be busy!!

I've had a minor problem -- arrrgghhh!! I was weed-eating the other day -- around the lake in front of my house. The lake doesn't belong to me -- but, I get to enjoy the view, so I like to contribute to its upkeep. I got about 1/3 of the way around -- felt a little tired/winded -- so, I rested for a few minutes. Started back and kept on going. About 2/3 of the way around, I got tired again. (Note to self: IF you ever again get tired TWICE, STOP and go inside!!!!) After resting, I started again. Mom, my baby-sitter for the day, drove by to check on me -- I asked for something to drink. When she brought my weak tea, I made a mistake -- I drank tooooo much, tooooo fast. I was ok for an hour or two -- l finished the weed-eating, got a bath, and ate lunch. Then, WHAM -- my stomach -- OH, my STOMACH!!!!

If you know much about horses, you do NOT want to give a hot horse very much to drink -- especially not something cool -- because it can cause COLIC -- VERY serious in a horse -- even deadly. NOT so serious in me, but it made me pretty miserable. It has been several days -- I am just now feeling better -- my stomach is STILL sore.

When my stomach misbehaves, so does my MG. So my voice has been even WORSE than usual and my right eye is all droopy. And, so it goes.

Myasthenia Gravis is WACKO!! Let me explain. I've been working like a "hoss" out in my yard for more than a month -- sweating, mowing, hauling gravel, etc. -- no problems -- feeling good -- getting stronger day by day. On Tuesday, mom, mom's baby sister, and I all went to the "big city" to visit relatives and take them veggies from the garden. We didn't leave early or rush ourselves. We even got home at a decent hour. I was BEAT!!! EXHAUSTED from sitting in a car, sitting on a porch swing, and talking to loved ones. Then, yesterday, I went to the "little city" with my sister (she had a doctor's appointment). We didn't rush -- did a little shopping afterwards -- and got home by middle of the afternoon. Again -- ME, beat like a STICK!! I fell INTO the bed last night -- not even sure I turned over while I slept. I think I must have slept about 9 hours. I am still tired today. I walked this morning -- my regular mile -- but, it was EXCRUCIATING.

So, let's recap -- working HARD at manual labor -- doesn't seem to be a problem as long as I am at home and OUTDOORS -- keeping a HIGH fluid intake and taking breaks when I need them. LEAVING my home and being exposed to ??????chemicals/stress/toxins?????? takes EVERYTHING out of me. See what I mean?? MG is WACKO!!

Yesterday was not so good. I didn't sleep well Monday night -- stayed out too late working in the yard -- ate supper late, etc., etc., etc. So, all day Tuesday, I felt like I HAD Myasthenia Gravis. Yeah, I know -- you are all saying that I DO have MG -- but, this summer, I have felt pretty good -- like the "beast" was FAR, FAR AWAY.

In 2005, right before I was diagnosed, we went to Disneyworld. Mom rented a huge house for 10 days (great deal -- MUCH cheaper than hotel rooms) -- 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a pool -- so, each child, spouse, and grandchild had a bed and privacy. I got PLENTY of quality sleep on that trip -- but, in the middle of our stay, caught a cold. I had been walking a couple of miles a day -- suddenly, walking even 50 ft wore me out. This is how I felt yesterday. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, having LEARNED my lessons (LOL), I came INSIDE and took a NAP!!!

My point?? MGers NEED quality sleep!!! I sleep UNTIL my body says that it has had enough!!! NO alarm clocks EXCEPT on Sundays (church). I make doctor appointments in the afternoons so that I don't have to worry about waking up early.

I had a good night's sleep LAST night -- so, hand-mowing and weed-eating are on the schedule for today!